Bill Atkinson’s wife, Jingwen Cai biography: Jingwen Cai is known as wife of American computer engineer and computer programmer, Bill Atkinson.
Her husband Bill Atkinson passed away on June 5, 2025 at the age of 74 in Portola Valley, California, U.S. from pancreatic cancer.
He born on March 17, 1951 in Los Gatos, California, U.S. and in his life, he married three times. He survived by his wife Jingwen Cai. He had two daughters, a stepson and a stepdaughter.
He completed his undergraduation degree from the University of California, San Diego and his professor was Macintosh developer Jef Raskin. He also completed graduation in neurochemistry at the University of Washington.
He invited by Raskin for visit at Apple Computer.
He was persuaded by Steve Jobs for join the company immediately as employee No. 51 then he never completed his PhD. He worked as principal designer and developer of the graphical user interface of the Apple Lisa. He was creator of the MacPaint application and designed QuickDraw. He was worked as one of the main designers of the Lisa and Macintosh user interfaces.
In 1994, he awarded the EFF Pioneer Award. He was co founder of General Magic, American software and electronics company.
Atkinson said, “what Numenta is doing is more fundamentally important to society than the personal computer and the rise of the Internet.”
Family statement, “We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved husband, father, and stepfather, Bill Atkinson, passed away on the night of June 5, 2025, due to pancreatic cancer. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. He was a wonderful person who changed our lives forever.”
Apple CEO’s Tim Cook said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Atkinson a true visionary. His creativity, heart, and contributions to the Macintosh will continue to inspire generations to come.”
General Magic statement, “Our dear friend and colleague Bill Atkinson passed away on June 5. His endless curiosity, warmth, and incredible intellect shaped the soul of our work.”
